Vivki Elizabeth Halsey

In Loving Memory of Vicki Halsey (August 4, 1957 – May 15, 2025) It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vicki Halsey, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who entered into eternal rest on May 15, 2025, at the age of 67. Vicki was born on August 4, 1957, in La Mesa, California, to her devoted parents Frances Wheeler and George Vance. She was raised in the close-knit community of Crest, California, where she attended Crest Elementary School, Greenfield Middle School, and Granite Hills High School, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of lifelong friendships. In her youth, Vicki developed a deep love for horses and an unwavering passion for working with children. This love would become a defining aspect of her life’s work. It was during her years in Crest that she met the love of her life, Jeff Halsey. Their meeting was nothing short of serendipitous—a classic tale of love at first sight. When Jeff proposed, Vicki, ever the thoughtful soul, responded with, “I need to think about it.” But their bond was undeniable, and their love story blossomed into a lasting partnership that spanned 46 years. Together, they created a family, built a life, and shared a love that endured through all the joys and trials that life brought. Vicki’s professional journey was marked by her exceptional talent in training both children and horses to become champions. Her influence as a coach and mentor was immeasurable, as she instilled in her students the same dedication, patience, and perseverance she embodied in her own life. She poured her heart into every lesson, every training session, and every opportunity to help someone reach their potential. Her work not only shaped the careers of many young riders but also fostered lasting relationships built on trust, respect, and mutual admiration. However, her greatest joy and proudest achievement was her child. Kristina, her beloved daughter, was the center of her world. With Kristina’s marriage to Pete Hambly, Vicki’s heart expanded even further, as she welcomed three wonderful grandchildren: Madison, Tustin, and Patrick Hambly. These grandchildren brought her immense joy, and she delighted in watching them grow and thrive. Vicki’s love for her family was unwavering, and she cherished every moment spent with them, offering a guiding hand, a listening ear, and a heart full of unconditional love. Vicki’s strength was tested throughout her life, but she faced every challenge with unparalleled grace and courage. Fourteen years ago, she battled cancer, a fight that she faced with the same determination that defined her. She overcame the illness, but the lingering effects of radiation exposure would later challenge her health in ways that no one could have predicted. Despite enduring years of hardship, Vicki never wavered in her resolve. She was known to many as the “100-pound fighter,” an indomitable spirit whose size was no reflection of her strength. Her ability to face life’s most difficult moments with resilience, humor, and grace left an impression on everyone she met. Despite the incredible pain she endured, Vicki remained a pillar of strength for her family and friends, always more concerned about the well-being of others than her own suffering. Her passing leaves a profound hole in the hearts of those who loved her, but her spirit remains alive in the memories she created and the lives she touched. Vicki was preceded in death by her mother, Frances Wheeler, her father, George Vance, her stepfather, Tommy Kennell, her brothers Rick Vance and Terry Vance, and her brother-in-law Ron Reese. She is survived by her loving sister, Susie Reese, and Susie’s partner Jim Scudday, her nephew Tyler Reese, his wife Ashley Reese, and their two children, Aubri Reese and Tucker Reese. Vicki also leaves behind her cherished nephews, JT Pulford, Jeff Vance and Andy Vance along with a multitude of other family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched and whose hearts she filled with love and inspiration. Vicki’s legacy is one of boundless love, unwavering strength, and a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be remembered for her selflessness, her unyielding dedication to her family, and her ability to make everyone around her feel valued and cherished. She was a woman of extraordinary resilience, whose quiet determination was matched only by her immense heart. Her love for her family was unparalleled—she was the rock upon which they leaned, the foundation of their strength, and the light that guided them through difficult times. Her lessons in life, love, and perseverance will continue to inspire all who knew her. Vicki was a true champion—not just in the arena of horses and training, but in the way she lived her life with integrity, kindness, and compassion. She leaves a legacy that will live on in her children, her grandchildren, and all of those whose lives she touched. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the remarkable woman she was—a woman whose love transcends time and whose spirit will forever remain in our hearts.

Tributes

Vivki Elizabeth Halsey

August 4, 1957 - May 15, 2025